Moped Licensing Informational

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This is a locked topic carrying the most up-to-date information regarding riding mopeds at age 16, and on a full car licence. Whilst not relevant for most Maxi Scooter riders it is an often debated topic of conversation, and some contributors will know someone that it applies to, so having the facts to hand is beneficial.

The information in this topic has been collated ( for the C90club forum originally) in consultation with DVLA and is correct at the date posted/updated (Note *1 & Note *2 below.)

The information refers to UK only. Northern Ireland has different rules and this information is not applicable to Northern Ireland. See Note *3 below.

1. I am 16 years old. Can I ride a pre-September 1977 moped with pedals, eg FS1E, SS50, AP50. Puch Maxi, Mobylette?

No you cannot. From 19 January 2013, 16 year olds are restricted to category AM mopeds, plus category Q vehicles. See reference C below for definitions. Also, see Note *4 below, further explaining category Q on your licence.

2. I am 16 years old. Can I ride a 1977-2013 30 mph restricted moped? (01/09/1977 to 18/01/2013)

No you cannot. These mopeds fall into category P. You will not have category P on your licence.

From 19 January 2013, 16 year olds are restricted to category AM mopeds, plus category Q vehicles. See reference C below for definitions.

3. I have a full car licence. Can I ride a pre-September 1977 moped with pedals, eg FS1E, SS50, AP50. Puch Maxi, Mobylette without L plates?

Yes, but only if you obtained your full licence before 19 January 2013, as you will have dispensation from DVLA to retain all your entitlements gained before 19 January 2013. See reference D and reference E below.

The situation regarding whether you need a CBT is different, depending upon whether you obtained your full car licence before 01 February 2001. See Reference A below.

4. I have a full car licence. Can I ride a 1977-2013 30 mph restricted moped without L plates? (01/09/1977 to 18/01/2013)

Yes, but only if you obtained your full licence before 19 January 2013, as you will have category P permission on your licence. See reference D and reference E below.

The situation regarding whether you need a CBT is different, depending upon whether you obtained your full car licence before 01 February 2001. See Reference A below.

5. I have a full car licence. Can I ride a 2013 - present 28 mph restricted moped without L plates?

Yes, you can.

The situation regarding whether you need a CBT is different, depending upon whether you obtained your full car licence before 01 February 2001. See Reference A below.

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Notes and reference

Reference A: https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-cbt/car-driving-licence

Reference B: https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped

Reference C: https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-mope ... quirements

Reference D: https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-mope ... nuary-2013

Reference E: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/changes-to- ... categories

Note *1: Whilst we consider this information to be factually correct, c90club take no responsibility for anyone who breaks the law whilst following the advice given.

Note *2: Whilst we consider this information to be factually correct, if you are in any doubt, you should contact DVLA personally via the Government website https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence and personally by phone, webchat or email should you need to confirm or query an entitlement.

Note *3: The statement omitted from the .gov.uk website since 19 January 2013 is as follows: "It has an engine capacity no greater than 50 cubic centimetres (cc) and can be moved by pedals if it was first used before 1 September 1977." The statement is still effective in the regulations for Northern Ireland https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/in ... ped-riders

Note *4: Category Q applies differently depending upon when you obtained your licence. If you have a full car licence, issued before 19 January 2013, the definition from reference E above applies: "Moped - Motor vehicles with fewer than 4 wheels which, if propelled by an internal combustion engine, has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc and, if not equipped with pedals by means of which the vehicle is capable of being propelled, has a maximum design speed not exceeding 25km/h." If you do not have a full car licence, issued before 19 January 2013, the definition from reference C above applies: "Same as AM plus 2 or 3-wheeled mopeds with top speed of 25 km/h."

Note *5: The mitigating excuse that an insurer let you insure it so it must be legal, does not apply. Insurance policies explicitly require you to ensure that you have the correct licence for the vehicle that you want to drive. It is YOUR responsibility, and cannot be delegated to an insurer.